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Area News

Trial in Weslaco water treatment plant bribery case delayed until September

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A federal judge on Thursday rescheduled the Weslaco water treatment plant bribery trial for September. Concerned about the prospect of bringing together three defendants, a half-dozen attorneys, federal prosecutors, witnesses and jurors for a high-profile trial in the middle of a pandemic, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez delayed jury selection until Sept. 8. In January,…

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Former Customs and Border Protection officer pleads guilty to bribery

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A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer pleaded guilty to bribery on Thursday, when he confessed to accepting $17,000 during a federal sting operation. Oziel Cantu, 47, of Alamo — a former Customs and Border Protection officer assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge — pleaded guilty to bribery on Thursday morning. During a federal…

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Mission firefighters warn about ‘toxic and hostile’ work environment

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The Mission Fire Fighters Association warned the City Council on Tuesday that Fire Chief Gilbert Sanchez had created a “toxic and hostile” workplace — and requested an investigation. Firefighters are frustrated with Sanchez and Assistant Fire Chief Rene Alvarez, according to a letter from association President Robert Lopez to members of the City Council. The…

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City passes no parking on grass ordinance

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As of March 22, Mission residents will no longer be allowed to park their vehicles on the grassy areas of their property. Violation of this new law could result in a fine of up to $500. Mission City Council passed ordinance No. 5001, detailing that vehicles must be parked in the designated driveway area. Planning…

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Mission City Council highlights

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This week, city leaders discussed potential amendments to inspections and planning fees, more modifications to COVID guidelines and the $24.3 million stimulus funds the city will receive from the Department of Treasury. City staff compared inspection and planning fees with other municipalities and determined the City of Mission needs to make adjustments to certain services…

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City of Alton appoints new roles

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The City of Alton appointed a new Associate Judge and Assistant City Manager during their second meeting on Tuesday evening. After opening the first meeting with public comments and approving the minutes of the council meeting of February 9, the Alton City Council touched on the agenda items involving the rezoning and annexation of several…

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Hidalgo County EMS receives bid from prospective buyer

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Hidalgo County EMS received a bid Monday from a prospective buyer, a major development in the company’s long-running bankruptcy case. Chief Restructuring Officer Richard S. Schmidt confirmed that Hidalgo County EMS received a bid, but he couldn’t publicly identify the prospective buyer or provide any details about the offer. With just a single bid on…

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Moving on up

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Rattlers and Diamondbacks hire from within Anytime a Valley high school football program hires a new head coach and athletic coordinator, it’s a big deal. After all, high school football is king in the Valley and the decision on who will be leading a particular program has as much to do with whether that team…

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